VU

Brycon opalinus

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Brycon opalinus faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction and river modifications throughout its range in southeastern Brazil's Atlantic coastal rivers. Deforestation in riparian zones has degraded water quality and reduced food availability, while overfishing has targeted this commercially valuable species. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution further compromise the clear, well-oxygenated waters this species requires for successful reproduction.

Threat summary

Habitat

Brycon opalinus inhabits clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams in the Atlantic Forest region of southeastern Brazil, particularly in the upper and middle reaches of coastal river systems. This species prefers well-oxygenated waters with rocky or sandy substrates and requires intact riparian vegetation for feeding and spawning.

Other threatened species in BRYCONIDAE

EN

Brycon orbignyanus

Declining
EN

Brycon devillei

Unknown
EN

Brycon vermelha

Declining
VU

Brycon obscurus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Brycon opalinus classified as Vulnerable?
Brycon opalinus is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Brycon opalinus faces severe population declines primarily due to dam construction and river modifications throughout its range in southeastern Brazil's Atlantic coastal rivers. Deforestation in riparian zones has degraded water quality and reduced food availability, while overfishing has targeted this commercially valuable species. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution further compromise the clear, well-oxygenated waters this species requires for successful reproduction.
Where does Brycon opalinus live?
Brycon opalinus occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Brycon opalinus?
The main threats to Brycon opalinus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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